OWC RAM question f/u (PC weenies?) ((solved))

[OWC Larry]

That would be it - Just finished BSG, or would have been here sooner.

In most cases - if a module shows up as half size in an older machine - it's because your machine needs the lower density module type.

Just like a 512MB showing as 256MB, a 256MB build with 256MBit density devices shows as 128Mb. (512MB PC66/100/133 also typically built with 256MBit devices).

You need a 16x8 based (128MBit) 256MB module. It will have 16 chips vs. the 8 that the modules you have now have.

Nothing to do with the memory - it's what the memory controller can support.

[OWC Larry]

And to clarify - Grim has it on the money - it's the same reason those modules are no dice for the Yikes G4 and PowerMac G3 models. Technically, can use them - but only if you want to pay double per usable MB.

[ho'ard]

I guess I wasn't clear, sorry.
It doesn't see the new chip at all, only the original 128 chip.
In the thread I linked to you (Larry) said this chip ought to work in a controller that's from 2000 or later.

And this RAM is listed as being the right stuff for this machine . . . or am I missing something.

Would one expect this PC to recognize a new RAM module without prompting like a mac?

[ho'ard]

The Grim Ninja Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> *Original G4 PCI Graphics, aka G4' Yikes'
> 350-400MHz models not included.
>
> I imagine this HP is also not included. You have
> a higher density RAM chip. It doesn't work on G3s
> and most PCs which don't accept 512 MB chips.
> That's my opinion on this, anyway.


I researched this carefully before purchasing-- don't get hung up on the compatibility OWC shows in their listing.
Did anyone read the thread I linked to in the first post?
Thanks.

[modelamac]

h'

If it is properly seated and the computer doesn't recognized it, then it ain't the right stuff. Pure and simple.

There are no machinations or rain dances you can go through to change that. If it is the correct spec RAM, the computer will automatically show it, without any effort on your part.

[ho'ard]

OK, thanks.
It was not properly seated. It did show up automatically, passed the "check" etc.-- but the machine freezes after about 30 seconds with it in.

How do I find "the right stuff" without the expense of trial and error?

[OWC Larry]

Send me an e-mail with the info (machine using in and invoice number of purchase or s/n of modules) - will check what your PC needs - and see what the final scoop is.

Did you just get these modules - or trying to move from a Mac to a PC?

Either way - put the details in a single e-mail and we'll figure it out.

[ho'ard]

Allright, thanks and sorry.
It was explained in the original thread that I was odering this RAM specifically for this PC.

Anyways, the RAM is installed and working fine now.
I think I narrowed the problem to the fan on the power supply being gunked up and not working. I got it to spin up once briefly. I have the power supply open and the only spare fan I have, which is too big, blowing on it, and managed to get WinME installed, a new Raedon card up and running (the old one had artifacts from a power jolt) and connected to my router-- posting from it now.
It's really a nice machine and worth the time I'm putting into it(fingers crossed).
I need to track down a fan, and hopefully that's it.

What is the mm equivalent of 3.5"?

Does my assessment that an overheating power supply was causing freezes make any sense?

Sure seems stable now.

Thx . . .

[Golfer]

3.5 inches equals 88.9 millimeters

1 inch = 25.4 millimeters

[ho'ard]

Thanks!
The 80 mm looks so much smaller than the 100 mm's I have (or maybe they're 120 mm).